Rachel Stamps

Saying Goodbye to Elements of Style

Hi Stampin' Friends

This was is where I sit when I'm not walking around taking pictures of the beautiful Clevenger Paradise!

Elements of Style was and continues to be a favorite of mine because the roses in the stamp set.  I am sorry to see this set go.  Which stamp set are you sorry to see go?

Let's take a walk down memory lane.

Replete with refined images of vintage blooms, birds, and flourishes, our Elements of Style set couldn’t be more aptly named. With a little something of everything graceful, you’ll find yourself pulling this set out regularly for an elegant background.

 

• 20% off your order (ends 18 May 2013)
• Retirement List is out - get your favorites before they are gone!
• Free Card Kit tutorial (Ombre Technique) (ends 15 May 2013)
• Internet Hostess Club #2 now forming (need one more!)

Stampin' Up!  Catalog

• Artistic Designs by Rachel  Preferred customers receive their catalogs free.
• Click here to sign up for your FREE Stampin' Up! CATALOG.

Special Note: A preferred customer means you've spent a minimum of $50 with me in the past year (12 months). Placing an online order through another demonstrator electronically removes you from my Stampin' Up! customer list. To reactivate your Artistic Designs by Rachel Preferred Customer status, simply place a new order through my Stampin' Store.

Thanks for stopping by today!

 

The Bridges of Madison County

Hi Stampin' Friends

• Retirement List is out - get your favorites before they are gone!
• Online Retirement List Party (ends 7 May 2013)
• Free Card Kit tutorial (Ombre Technique) (ends 15 May 2013)
• Internet Hostess Club #2 now forming (when filled)

I forgot to let everyone know abou the winner of the "Guess Which Stamp Sets are Retiring" contest.  The winner was C. Wright of Oklahoma.  She won ten out of ten guesses and has a $20 certificate off her next order.  Congratulations C!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest.  It was interesting to see all the guesses that you guys came up with.

Today's card is for my friend Jane.  I usually give her a shabby chic girly card but because I am giving her the book, The Bridges of Madison county as a gift, I decided to use an image from an old Stampin' Up! set called Changing Seasons (2003).  I loved the Bridges of Madison County - when I first read it, I cried and cried.  Then I saw the movie and was very disappointment.  Clint Eastwood is not a romantic type of guy - he was known for his action movies!

The image was stamped on Very Vanilla Card Stock with Early Espresso.  I used the retiring colors (sniff, sniff) Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, and Certainly Celery to color in the bird, sky, trees and cover bridge. I also used Soft Suede for the roof and fence, Daffodil Delight for the daisies, and Basic Gray for the rocks.  A blender pen was used to blend in the colors.

I covered the book with Fan Fair Designer Series Paper and added a band which you can pull off to read the book

 

The shabby chic flowers are ones I've had for a long, long time - they were attached to the band which holds the book close. 

I used the retiring Lovely Letters Stamp Set (letter J) on the lower right hand corner.

 

 

If you need any supplies, please visit my Stampin' Store for 24/7 service and a chance to win free merchandise if you use the Hostess Code 7H4NPKMY

Thanks for stopping by today! 

SUPPLIES:

Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set #115370	Lovely Letters Alphabet #115030	Very Vanilla Card Stock	Riding Hood Red Card Stock	River Rock 8-1/2X11 Card Stock #108640
Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad #126944	Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin' Pad #126968	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad #12697	Baja Breeze Classic Stampin' PAD #126960	Certainly Celery Classic Stampin' Pad #126958
Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad #126981	Blender Pens #102845	Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker	Antique Brads	Big Shot Die Cut Machine
1-3/8 Inch Circle Punch #119860	1-3/4 Inch Circle Punch #119850	Word Window Punch #119857	Stampin' Dimensionals

InLinkz.com

Best of Flowers

1. Guess Which Stamps are Retiring Contest (ends 23 April 2013)
2. Mystery Hostess Contest (ends 26 April 2013)
3. Free Card Kit tutorial (Ombre Technique) (ends 15 May 2013)
4. Internet Hostess Club #2 now forming (when filled)

Hi Stampin' Friends!

The  inspiration for this card came for Vickie Burke, a fantastic, very talented demonstrator.  I love her watercoloring!

I used the image of the hydrangea flower from Best of Birthdays Clear Mount Stamp Set.  

With spring comes green grass, blue skies, and of course flowers! Then what could be better for our March “Best Of” set than a collection of the best flower stamps from the past quarter-century? This set also includes a never-before-seen flower image that coordinates perfectly with our 1-1/4" Scallop Circle punch.

Note:

As a special incentive to collect the Best of stamps, SU is including a collector's card and 25-year proof of purchase sticker with every Best of set. Collect six stickers, and send it in to redeem a FREE set of your choice valued up to $14.95! Free sets must be redeemed no later than April 30, 2014.

The image was stamped twice with Brown Stazon (retired) on Very Vanilla Card Stock.  I then colored in one of the images with a blender pen and More Mustard for center of flowers, Night of Navy for the flowers.  The flower part of the image was then cut out and set aside.

Only the leaves and the stem were colored in Lucky Limeade in the second image.  I then punched it out using the 2 1/2" Circle Punch.  It was then layered onto Night of Navy Card Stock which was die cut using the Delicate Doilies Sizzlets Die.

The background paper (embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder) is from the Fan Fair Designer Series Paper and the base card is Night of Navy Card Stock.  

The last thing I did was to lightly spritzed the card using the Color Spritzer Tool and the Night of Navy Stampin' Write Marker.

If you need any supplies to make this card or any other card, please visit my Stampin' Store for 24/7 service.  And don't forget, if you order online, to enter the Hostess Code (see above) in order to have your name entered into the contest for Hostess benefits.

Or if you like, send me your list and I'll place the order for you.  Send list to: [email protected] or call me at (479) 876-7453.

Thanks for stopping by today!

SUPPLIES:

Best of Flowers Clear Mount Stamp Set #133342 Very Vanilla Card Stock Night Of Navy 8-1/2X11 Card Stock #100867 Fan Fair Designer Series Paper #126918 Designer Series Paper Patterns Stack - Regals Collection #117154 Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad #126970 Lucky Limeade Classic Stampin' Pad #126983 More Mustard Classic Stampin' Pad #126964 Blender Pens #102845 Big Shot Die Cut Machine Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder #120175 Delicate Doilies Sizzlits Die Stampin' Write Markers Regals Collection #119701 Color Spritzer Tool Basic Pearls Jewels Accents Stampin' Dimensionals Tombo Mono Multi Liquid Glue

InLinkz.com

Dapper Mom

Hi Stampin' Friends

Guess Which Stamps are Retiring Contest

Mystery Hostess Contest

Free Card Kit tutorial (Ombre Technique)

Internet Hostess Club #2 now forming

I had an "ah ha" moment when I was making this masculine card using the Dapper Dad Stamp Set.  The watch in the stamp set looked just like one of my watches.  So I decide to make the watch more feminine and stamped it in Pretty in Pink and added the Rhinestones.  

I used Pretty in Pink and the Fan Fair Designer Series Paper because they are both going away when the new catalog comes out.   What I like about the Fan Fair DSP is that it is Vintage and I can use it for both masculine and feminine cards.  I'll have to order more before it retires.

I'm not including any general instructions on how to make this card such it's such a simple card and I think you can tell how it was put together just by looking at the card.

Thanks for stopping by today!

SUPPLIES:

Dapper Dad Clear-Mount Stamp Set #129198	Very Vanilla Card Stock	Soft Suede Card Stock #115318	Fan Fair Designer Series Paper #126918
Pretty In Pink Classic Stampin' Pad #126955	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad #12697	Set Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die #123130	Big Shot Die Cut Machine
Scallop Trim Border Punch	Pink Pirouette 3/8 Inch Taffeta Ribbon #122981	Basic Rhinestones Jewels Accents #119246	Tombo Mono Multi Liquid Glue

InLinkz.com

2013 Retiring Stamp Sets

Hi Stampin' Friends

It's time for the 6th annual "Guess Which Stamp Sets Are Retiring" contest!

On 24 April 2013, Stampin' Up! will release their retiring stamp sets and accessories list.  These items did not make it into the 2013/2014 Catalog and will not be available after supplies run out.  And again, I am holding a contest to see who can guess which stamps sets will retire.

To enter into the contest:

• Pick up your copy of the annual catalog (or view it here) and write down the ten stamp sets (no accessories) you believe will be on the retiring list.
• Entries should be submitted to me at [email protected]
• Send me your list by 3 pm (CT), 23 April 2013

On Wednesday, I will send you a copy of the retiring list along with the name of the winner.  In the event of a tie, the e-mail with the earliest date/time stamp will win.  I will also announce the winner on this blog.

• The most correct guesses:  $10 off your retiring stamp set/accessories order
• 10 out of 10 guesses:  $20 off your retiring stamp set/accessories order

The following applies:

• Demonstrators are not eligible to participate
• I reserve the right to shut down the contest early if the list is leaked before 24 April 2013.

Good Luck!

Dapper Dad

Hi Stampin' Friends

If placing an online order,  use the Hostess Code QDDNBSZA, and your name will be entered into a contest for hostess benefits!  Click here for the details.  And not only do you get your name entered into the contest, but you also receive the Ombre Technique Card Tutorial for your onine order!

Here's the masculine card I started out making the other day but ended up with a shabby chic card!  Do not ask me how I got from this card to the one below!

Dapper details--just for dad! Use the Dapper Dad Clear Mount Stamp Set to create fun gift accents and tags for Father's Day, birthdays, and more!

I love the clean and simple lines of this card.  I stamped the image with Midnight Muse on Naturals White Card Stock.  The background paper is the In-Color Designer Series Pattern Paper Stack (Midnight Muse).

The strip down the middle of the card was made using the Tastful Trim Bigz Die. The base card is Midnight Muse Card Stock.

SUPPLIES:

Dapper Dad Clear-Mount Stamp Set #129198	Naturals White Card Stock	Midnight Muse Card Stock	Midnight Muse Classic Stampin' Pad #126860
Designer Series Paper Patterns Stack - 2011 In Color # 122384	Tasteful Trim Bigz Die #120893	Big Shot Die Cut Machine	Tombo Mono Multi Liquid Glue

InLinkz.com

Serene Silhouettes

Hi Stampin' Friends

 My Paper Pumpkin
Free Clothespins
Free Scrapbook Tutorial
Frequency Buyers Rewards
Hostess Club #2 now forming

Day 2 of the "Free Shipping" from Stampin' Up!  Take advance of the free shipping and stock up on all those goodies!  One of my customers ordered online (using the Hostess Code, of course) and then about a couple of minutes later ordered a $2.95 item (I guess she forgot that item the first time).  No problem with "free shipping".    Besides that gave her two chances to win the FREE Hostess Dollars!

The Serene Silhouettes Clear Mount Stamp Set is an all-season four-piece set and gives you stamping options all year long. So many lovely silhouettes to choose from! Coordinates with the 1-3/4" Circle Punch.

This is such a simple and quick card to make.  I loved making this card and was very happy with the way it came out.  I used a non-SU framelits for the template and lightly sponged the top end with Baja Breeze Classic Ink and Soft Suede Classic Ink on the bottom end.  I then stamped the tree image in Early Espresso Classic Ink.

I lightly sponged the bottom of the inside with Baja Breeze Classic Ink.  I love this color and will be sorry to see it go but I will be stocking up on the card stock and 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon before it's all gone.

I left the front and inside blank because I'm not sure what I want to use it for - either a sympathy card or a masculine card.  I guess whichever need comes up first.

 

SUPPLIES:

Serene Silhouettes - Digital Download #133015 Naturals Ivory 8-1/2 X 11 Card Stock #101849 Baja Breeze Classic Stampin' PAD #126960 Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad #12697 Stamping Sponges #101601

InLinkz.com

50/50 Board Winner!

Hi Stampin' Friends

I am such a lucky grandmother!  Every Friday, Rachel comes to visit and spend the night!

And now for our luck  50/50 board winner!  During our stamp class, I asked one of the ladies to draw a name for the 50/50 board.

And the winner is.........?

Julie Temple!

Julie, please send me your wish list and I'll place order for you.  If you want to wait until sale-a-bration, you can then order a free item from the sale-a-bration catalog.

Let me know.

Thanks for Stopping by today!

 

My Top Ten Favorites from the Spring Catalog & Blog Candy

Hi Stampin' Friends

The Spring Catalog is live and you can order your products at my Stampin' Store.

1. View the 2013 Spring Catalog (Flash)
2. Spring Catalog (PDF)
3. Stampin' Supplies
4. Spanish Flyer

If you would like a copy of the catalog and don't have a demonstrator, please send me your name, address and telephone number and I'll get one out to you.

My Top Ten Favorites from the Spring catalog:

It was so hard to select only ten items and, if you notice, most of them are embellishments.  For me it's shabby chic heaven! 

1. 5/8" Flower Trim (Page 5)
2. Artisan Embellishments Kit (Page 10)
3. Tea for Two Designer Series Paper (Page 3)
4. Delicate details Lace Tape (Page 3)
5. Two Tone Ribbon (Page 13)
6. Oh Hello Bundle (Page 4)
7. Needlepoint Border (Page 5)
8. Hearts A Flutter Bundle (Page 11)
9. Print Poetry Designer Series Paper Stack
10. Swallowtail (Page 18)

What is your favorite item from the Spring Catalog?  Leave a comment on any post between now and 7 January 2013 (6:00 pm CST) and I'll select (or rather random.or will select) a lucky winner.  Prize will be something from the catalog but I haven't decided what yet!

Thanks for Stopping by today!

THIS POST WILL STAY AT THE TOP UNTIL 7 JANUARY 2013 BECAUSE IT HAS BLOG CANDY CONTEST RULES.  PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR THE LATEST PROJECTS.

 

Hello Doily and we have a winner!

Hi Stampin' Friends

Today's card features the Hello Doily Background Stamp.  I decided to keep it simple and quick since is for a new private class scheduled for Wednesday, 7 November 2012 and the attendees are new to stamping.

If you are interested in holding a private class in your home, please contact me for all the details.  I can be reached at [email protected] or (479) 876-7453.

The winner of the Reason to Smile Stamp set is:

Kathy Hering ([email protected]) has left you a comment:

Hello,
my favorite costume this year was my daughter, she was a Hippy Chick and won first prize at her school dance. Thanks for the chance, Kathy H

Kathy - please send me your address and I'll put the stamp set in the mail to you.

Thanks to everyone who played - I really enjoyed reading your comments.

Thanks for stopping by today

Hello Doily Wood Mount Stamp #12284 Perfectly Penned Clear Mount Stamp Set Very Vanilla Card Stock So Saffron Card Stock #105118 So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad #126957

InLinkz.com

It's time for some blog candy!

Hi Stampin' Friends

Here's another sneak peek at my girlfriend's anniversary card!  I started this card several times because I kept messing up.  One time I had completed the card and then when I added my personal stamp to the back of the card, I smeared the ink.  Anyway, after several attempts the card is on its way to California.

I love the way it came out and cannot wait until I can show it to you tomorrow.

In the mean time........

How about some Blog Candy!

Ghoulish Googlies Designer Printed Kit

Make creative treats for little goblins. Coordinates with our Googly Ghouls Stamp Set.  Includes 20 printed double-sided tags: 10 ea. of 2 designs; 10 glassine bags with die-cut edges: ea. 3" x 5" x 1-1/2"; 50 adhesive-backed googly eyes (ea. 5 mm); 10 pieces Pumpkin Pie/Whisper White Baker's Twine, ea. 8" (color exclusive to this kit). Colors are Basic Black, Lucky Limeade, Pumpkin Pie, and Whisper White.

For a chance to win this kit, leave a comment on any post between now and 23 September 2012.  I'll draw a name on Monday and announce it on my blog.  You can leave any type of comment, except for SPAM! (LOL).  Good luck!

Thanks for stopping by today

 

 

Beautiful Wings

• Last day for Blog Candy
• Last day for September Virtual Club

Hi Stampin' Friends

I wanted to make a simple yet elegant card for today's post.  The butterflies had been laying around my craft table for a couple of days left over from a previous project, so I decided they would be perfect for today's simple card. 

The butterflies are Vellum Card Stock over Pink Pirouette Card Stock.  They were die cut and embossed using the Beautiful Wings Embosslits.  What I like about this die is that it not only die cuts the butterfly but also embosses it! I've added Dazzling Details glitter glue around the edges to give the butterflies a sparkle.

Tip:  Use Tombo Mono Multi Liquid Glue to attach the Vellum butterfly to the Pink Pirouette butterfly.  It dries clear and does not show.

The sentiment is from the Petite Pairs Stamp Set. 

The background was embossed using the gorgeous new Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder from the Holiday Mini.  This embossing folder is a must for elegant holiday cards!

If you need any supplies to make this card, please visit my Stampin' Store. Or if you like contact me at (479) 876-7453 or [email protected] and I'll place the order for you.

Thanks for stopping by today

SUPPLIES:

 

InLinkz.com

It's Blog Candy Time

Hi Stampin' Friends

My granddaughter, Rachel, is only six and she's hooked on minecraft!  Anybody familiar with this game?

I think she's left us already for the computer!  Now, when she comes over, the first things she does is open up her computer and starts to play minecraft!

I bought the stamp set, Frightening Feline (wood mount), and then bought it when it became available as a digital image.

So, I'm giving the wood mount set away (never been used) away to a lucky winner and just in time for Halloween!  It's such a cute set and I want it to go to a "good" home.

Leave a comment on any blog post between today (Saturday 8 September) and Monday (10 September) on why you deserve this cute feline.  I'll select a winner and post it on my blog on Tuesday.

Thanks for stopping by today

Sneak Peek

Hi Stampin' Friends

I just couldn't wait to give you a sneak peek at one of next month's Virtual Club project.  It is using the Howlstooth & Scaringbone designer Series Paper (I Love that name!) and just in time for Halloween!  I had a fun time designing the projects and I hope you like them.

For those of you that have not signed up yet, I am offering a FREE embossing folder (your choice) if you sign up by 31 August 2012. 

This exclusive club is for all levels of paper crafters from beginner to experienced!

Would you like to learn the latest stampin' techniques?  Do you want to be creatively inspired?  Would you like to order the stamps and tools a little bit at a time and get a FREE monthly class too?

Commit to making time for you from the convenience and flexibility of your home!

Monthly Themes for Virtual Club

• September 2012 - Halloween
• October 2012 - Thanksgiving
• November 2012 - Christmas
• December 2012 - Winter

Are you ready to join?

Or would you like more information?

thanks for stopping by today.

 

 

 

 

 

We have a winner!

Hi Stampin' Friends

The winner of the Pines & Poinsettias is:

lisa808 ([email protected]) has left you a comment:

I do like (and prefer) your soft colors and patterns. Love that new butterfly.

Lisa, please send me your address and I'll get the stamp set in the mail to you.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment.  I always love reading your comments - they make my day!

Thanks for stopping by today

Blog Candy

Hi Stampin' Friends

It's time for some blog candy!  The prize is the wood mount Pines & Poinsettias.  I know that it is retired but it is a beautiful set.

All you have to do is leave a comment on my blog telling me which is your favorite Christmas stamp set from either the big catalog or the Holiday catalog.

On Sunday, 19 August 2012, I'll select a winner and post it to this blog.  Comments will be accepted until 7:00 pm Sunday, 19 August 2012 (CDT).  US only please!

Thanks for stopping by today

 

We have two winners!

Hi Stampin' Friends

I have two items to give away this week.

1. Itty Bitty Banners Stamp Set (Clear Mount)
2. 6 x 6 DSP paper (2011-2012 catalog)

The first winner is: 

I ordered the same stamp set twice in one week!  Rather than exchange it, I decided to offer it as blog candy and the winner was selected using random.org.     Here's the post...

kathy herrick said...                               

i'm on my way home from moving our daughter to new mexico. would love to hear that i've won this blog candy! take care, rachel!

ReplyMonday, 16 July 2012 at 11:17 AM

 

And our second winner is: 

On Sunday, I posted a card that I made a mistake in putting it together.  I wasn't aware of the problem until I took the picture and by then it was too late to take it apart.  Here's the post

Nanc is the first one to repond with the correct answer!

Nanc said...                               

Hi Rachel,

Although it looks fine, did you mean to put the fancy fan layer on with the smooth side up?

ReplySunday, 15 July 2012 at 08:14 AM

Nanc - please send me your address and I'll get the 6 x 6 DSP in the mail to you.

Thanks to everyone who played this week - I really enjoy reading your comments!

Thanks for stopping by today.

 

        You might also like:

Itty Bitty Banners - Blog Candy

Hi Stampin' Friends

My loss is your gain!  I can't believe I did this!  I ordered Itty Bitty Banners twice in one week!  Rather than sending it back, I'm giving it away to a lucky winner.  And who wouldn't like this cute set!  Banners are trendy and hip and make perfect accents for all of your projects. Use this multi-occasion, six-piece stamp set with our Bitty Banners Framelits Dies for perfect coordination.

Leave a comment on any post between now and Tuesday, 17 July 2012.  I'll draw a winner using random.org on 18 July 2012 and post it on my blog.  US only please

Thanks for stopping by today.

 

Blog Candy Winner!

 Hi Stampin' Friends

The winner of the blog candy is

Judy R. ([email protected]) has left you a comment:

Happy Mother's Day! Hope your day was fabulous. My family and I went to the park for picnic like we do every year. It's a beautiful day out today. Thanks for the chance to win some blog candy!

Judy - I'll get this in the mail to you.

Thanks to everyone who participated.  I really enjoy reading your comments.

Thanks for stopping by today

 

Blog Candy

Hi Stampin' Friends

A Belated Mother's Day.  Hope you had a wonderful weekend and a wonderful day.

How about some blog candy!  I'm giving away the Simply Sent Everyday Elegance, Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder and Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine.  For a chance to win this, leave a comment on any blog post  between today (13 May 2012) and  20 May 2012.  I draw a winner using random.org on Monday, 21 May 2012 and announce it on this blog.

Thanks for stopping by today